This value-packed kit includes two vital items needed to safely view the Sun through a SkyQuest XX12 Truss Tube Dobsonian. The included Light Shroud and 14.21" ID Orion Off Axis Solar Filter fits both the XX12i IntelliScope and XX12g GoTo Dobsonian telescopes, and allows you to safely view sunspots and other solar phenomena with your big 12" truss tube Dobsonian. Let's explore each included item:

Orion Light Shroud for SkyQuest XX12 Dobsonian Telescope
For the best performance from any truss Dobsonian, a shroud is a must. This one, custom designed for the SkyQuest XX12, is made of a stretchy nylon blend material that fits like a glove over the truss poles of the XX12, fastening with thick elastic bands on both ends. The water-resistant, opaque black fabric blocks stray light from entering the optical path, thus improving image contrast. During the day, the Light Shroud blocks potentially harmful peripheral sunlight from entering the telescope. The Shroud material is conveniently breathable, which minimizes unwanted vibration of the scope in breezy conditions. Use of the shroud will lessen the accumulation of dust and dirt on the mirrors during use, and will help prevent dew from forming on them at night.

14.21" ID Orion Off Axis Solar Filter
Who said you have to be in the dark to do astronomy? Turning your telescope to the Sun is fun and educational. Watch the march of giant sunspots, the clouds of glowing vapor in the photosphere, and solar "granulation" detail. But be sure to protect your precious vision with a safe Orion solar filter! Looking at the Sun without one, even for an instant, can permanently damage your eyes.

The off-axis optical glass telescope filter included in this kit delivers superb views of the Sun through the XX12 Dobsonian, without risk to your eyes. The filter safely covers entire telescope aperture, with an off-axis glass filter which allows safe solar viewing. The glass portion of the off-axis solar filter is 4" in diameter, and it allows only a fraction of the incoming sunlight to pass through for safe observation, while rejecting harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation. The solar filter's aluminum cell has a 14.21" inside diameter (ID) which is designed to slide-fit over the front of your 12" reflector telescope.

While more expensive than Mylar filters, Orion glass solar filters provide significantly better contrast, a more natural yellow-orange color instead of blue or white, and their glass and aluminum construction is much more durable. The glass filter elements are machine-polished and triple-coated with an advanced nickel-chromium stainless steel alloy for a scratch-resistant surface.

WARNING! When using a truss tube Dobsonian telescope for solar observing, always use a Light Shroud and a properly sized solar filter. When you install the Light Shroud make certain there are no gaps between the Shroud and the telescope where direct sunlight can reach the telescope mirror. When a truss tube telescope (equipped with a solar filter but no Light Shroud) is pointing near (not at) the Sun, direct sunlight can hit the mirror and focus on the solar filter or other portions of the telescope. This can lead to eye injury or damage to the telescope. Using a Light Shroud protects your telescope from peripheral sunlight.

Before using any telescope for solar observing, make sure to install all dustcaps or other protective covers on all optical components such as finder scopes to keep sunlight from passing through them. Glancing through an uncovered optical system, even for an instant, can cause permanent eye damage. Always install protective caps on all optical instruments if left out during daylight hours

Warranty

Limited Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at 800-676-1343.

Warning

Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.

Orders received by noon Pacific Time for in-stock item the same business day. Order received after noon will ship the next business day. When an item is not in-stock we will ship it as soon as it becomes available. Typically in-stock items will ship first and backordered items will follow as soon as they are available. You have the option in check out to request that your order ship complete, if you'd prefer.

For cleaning the lenses in your telescope or binocular, the Orion Microfiber Optics Cleaning Cloth lifts dirt, fingerprints, water and oil from surface without scratching, streaking or smearing delicate lens surfaces. The cloth is machine washable.

This set of Padded Telescope Cases is designed to protect all parts of your Skyquest XX12i telescope. It includes a case for the upper optical tube section, one for the lower optical tube and a case for the truss poles.

At Orion, we are committed to sharing our knowledge and passion for astronomy and astrophotography with the amateur astronomy community. Visit the Orion Community Center for in-depth information on telescopes, binoculars, and astrophotography. You can find astrophotography "how to" tips and share your best astronomy pictures here. Submit astronomy articles, events, and reviews, and even become a featured Orion customer!